I mentioned in the previous post how my tree is almost all handmade ornaments.   I'm blessed with very crafty friends and I enjoy crafting a great deal myself (yes I dream of retirement and being able to do all of those things I did in younger days - crochet, knitting, scroll saw, cross stitch, etc.).  So in light of that I thought I would share a few posts on some ideas you all - my crafty friends - might enjoy taking inspiration and ideas from.   I know for me I "should" think of those craft ideas in the summer but I am going to be honest, I like crafting my Christmas stuff in November and December.  I'm just more in the mood and not so busy!

So here goes with a little explanation....

Santa Brush.  Not eve that hard of a paint job really (and I can't paint worth spit)!

A grouping - the mouse was made from a bead kit wayyyy back in the day.  The next is made with those little wooden pots and a round wooden ball.  Again, even painting on this is super easy.   Next is a favorite - the gum ball machine has a bottom of a little terra cotta pot turned upside down, the "gumballs" (which in this case are little bitty bead ornaments) is a votive candle holder and the top is a baby food jar lit.   Easy peasy painting.   Next is also a favorite.  Know what it is?   Yup an old incandescent lightbulb and set into another small jar lid (or wooden ring).  The arms are sticks from outside glued on.     The last is again, one of the little wooden pots upside down and the top section is another wooden item (these can be found at most craft stores).   Paint whatever you want and add candle and a little green wreath.

Doesn't get much easier than this ribbon candy - out of actual ribbon.   A bead of any sort in between the ribbon folds helps keep it separated!   Got extra fabric ribbon hanging around - here ya go!

Okay - horrible picture but you get the idea.  Do you have an amazing garden with flowers.   Press them (oh the days gone by) and then ModPodge them onto a glass ball (hey you can find those pretty cheap at thrift or garage sales).  I just love this as I used to have masses of pansies, one of my favorites in my garden, and they press so easily!  Get out those old dictionary and encyclopedias and start pressing next summer! Why do I love the garden theme - well this ornament means so much to me.  I have a friend who is an absolutely amazing gardener and she grew these amazing roses.   She simply dried them, took a clear or frosted ball, put some glitter glue spots on it and added the roses glued to the top portion and added this fabulous ribbon.   Inspired???

Again not the best picture but you get the idea.  Tiny and cute!  Birthday candle in a wooden thimble glued with a little flat star token to one of those mini clothespins!   Plus you don't need a hanger!  Reminds me of the old Christmas traditions where they actually put real candles on their trees.  Okay, disclaimer - do NOT light the candle! Next time I'm going to share the amazing things a good friend of mine has done with cookie cutters.  It definitely will inspire.